Leiomyomas (fibroids or myomas) are benign smooth muscle tumours with varying amounts of fibrous tissue and are the most common uterine neoplasm, reported in 20% to 30% of women over 30 years of age.
These are usually multiple, causing enlargement of the uterus with a lobular serosal contour and may present with
Palpable pelvic mass,
Uterine enlargement,
Pelvic pain,
Anaemia, and
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding depending upon their location and size.
Types of fibroids depending on the location are:
Intracavitary – fibroid located inside the uterine cavity
Submucosal – fibroid located just beneath the endometrium.
Intramural – fibroid located in the uterine wall.
Subserosal – fibroid located on the outer surface of the uterus.
Pedunculated – fibroid attached to the uterus with a pedicle.
Approximately 5-10% of infertile women have fibroids . Their size and location determines whether fibroids affect fertility like sub mucosal or very large fibroids within the uterine wall.
